Home / News / Voyage for VOYCE

Voyage for VOYCE

Published 21:15 on 17 May 2021

One of the benefits that Covid 19 has given New Zealand is having been instrumental in trapping on our shores an inspiring young woman who was solo sailing around the world. But rather than just being 'trapped' Elana Connor turned her enforced stay into a positive event that is now benefitting the charity VOYCE that advocates for approximately 6,000 children who live in foster care homes here.

Elana sailed out of her home port of San Francisco with a plan to solo navigate around the world in her 10.4 metre yacht Windfola. Having experience foster care herself, she decided to use her navigational skills to raise funds for New Zealands children in foster care by sailing around both islands in a figure of 8. Not an easy task for any solo sailor.

Elana gave an inspirational talk to members of the Gulf Harbour Yacht Club on Friday 14^th, and the funds Elana has raised will go towards giving the opportunity for foster care children to embark on a life-changing 10 day voyage on the 'Spirit of New Zealand'. Dee Pignéguy from Gulf Harbour Yacht Club also took the opportunity to share with Elana a copy of her published book: Saltwater in Her Hair that captures the personal stories of women who have accepted the challenge of achieving success at sea.